Cost of Living in Jefferson, IA: What to Expect and How to Budget
Cost of Living in Jefferson, IA
Thinking about moving to Jefferson, IA, or just curious how your expenses stack up against other places? The cost of living here plays a huge part in your budgeting and helps you plan your financial future—whether you’re settling down or starting fresh.
Understanding the Cost of Living Score
The cost of living score is a composite rating based on everyday expenses like housing, food, transportation, and more. It’s calculated using indexes and surveys updated annually.
- U.S. baseline: 100
- Below 100: More affordable than the national average
- Above 100: More expensive than the national average
Jefferson, IA regularly scores around 81–84, making it significantly more affordable than many other towns nationwide.
Housing & Rent
Home Prices & Trends
Buying a home in Jefferson is much less expensive than the national average.
- Single-family homes: Typically $100,000–$145,000
- Condos: When available, they generally trend a bit lower
Rental Market
If you’re renting, expect very competitive rates:
- Studio: ~$500/month
- 1-bedroom: ~$600/month
- 2-bedroom: $700–$800/month
- Larger homes: Sometimes available for under $1,000/month
What Salary Do I Need?
Most experts suggest spending no more than 30% of your income on housing.
For a typical 1-bedroom:
- Recommended annual income: $24,000–$27,000
Quick mini-calc example:
- $700 (rent) × 12 = $8,400/year in rent
- $8,400 × 3.3 ≈ $27,720/year recommended income for comfortable renting
Transportation & Commute Costs
Public Transit
Jefferson is a small city, so:
- Public transit is limited
- Most people drive or bike
- Shuttle services and occasional bus lines exist for specific routes
Car Ownership
- Gas: ~$3.35/gallon (near state averages)
- Car insurance: Roughly $800–$1,200/year
- Parking: Usually free and easy outside the historic square
Commute Tips
- Average commute: 10–15 minutes
- Traffic: Minimal congestion
- Rideshare: Uber and Lyft are available but less common than in big cities
Utilities & Monthly Bills
For a standard two-bedroom home in Jefferson, typical monthly costs are:
- Electricity, gas, water: $120–$180/month (higher in winter due to heating)
- Internet: $50–$70/month
- Mobile phone: ~$50/month per line
- Hidden fees: Occasional city utility taxes or connection fees ($30–$60)
Food & Groceries
Grocery Costs
- Weekly groceries for two: $70–$100
- Basic staples (milk, eggs, bread) are close to the national average
- Local produce can be more affordable, especially in season
Dining Out
- Casual restaurants: $10–$13 per meal
- Nicer sit-down spots: $20–$30 per person
Pro tip:
Check out farmers markets and discount grocers like Fareway for extra savings on meats and seasonal veggies.
Healthcare Expenses
- Employer health insurance: ~$170–$350/month for individual coverage
- Doctor visit (before insurance): $120–$150
- Typical co-pay: $25–$40
- Generic prescriptions: Often $5–$15 co-pay at local pharmacies
Goods & Services
- Haircuts: $17–$25
- Laundry/house cleaning: $60–$100 per visit
- Streaming services: $10–$18/month
- Gym memberships: $35–$50/month
Consumer Price Index (CPI)
The CPI measures how prices for a “basket” of goods change over time.
In Jefferson, CPI increases tend to lag behind larger urban areas, helping preserve local buying power.
Fitness & Entertainment Options
Fitness
- Gyms/fitness centers: $35–$60/month
- Yoga/dance classes: $10–$15 per session
Entertainment
- Movie tickets: $7–$10
- Live music/community events: Often $5+, many are low-cost or donation-based
- Parks & recreation: Jefferson’s parks, sports leagues, and bike trails offer free or low-cost fun
Comparing Jefferson, IA With Other Cities
Nearby Regional Cities
- Versus Des Moines or Ames:
- Jefferson’s housing and overall living expenses are 15–25% lower.
National Comparisons
- Versus Chicago or Minneapolis:
- Everyday costs in Jefferson are about 30–40% lower in nearly every category.
Salaries & Job Opportunities
Major Industries
- Agriculture
- Healthcare
- Education
- Local manufacturing
Income Snapshot
- Median household income: ~$54,000
- Per capita income: ~$31,000
Job Market Trends
- Strong demand in health services and skilled trades
- Steady opportunities in education and manufacturing
Can I Afford Jefferson, IA?
Before moving, do a personal financial self-check:
- List your monthly essentials: housing, utilities, food, transport, debt, savings.
- Compare total expenses with your net (after-tax) income.
- Factor in some cushion for fun, emergencies, and savings.
Local credit unions and banks often provide free online budgeting tools to help.
Lifestyle note:
Many Jefferson residents balance frugal everyday living with splurges on travel, family activities, and summer festivals.
What Does AI Say About Jefferson, IA?
- AI Insights: Predictive cost-of-living models suggest Jefferson will likely remain more affordable than national averages over the next several years.
- Caveat: Projections are based on historical and regional data and can’t fully capture sudden market changes or your unique lifestyle. Always double-check with current local sources.
FAQs: Cost of Living in Jefferson, IA
Average Rent by Bedroom Size
Size Average Rent Studio~$5001-Bedroom~$6002-Bedroom~$7503-Bedroom~$900
Housing Affordability
- Down payment assistance and first-time buyer programs may be available through local banks and county agencies.
Transportation & Commute
- Is public transit cheaper than owning a car?
- Not usually—most residents own a car, though limited transit exists for certain groups (like seniors).
Utilities & Bills
- Expect winter heating costs to rise by $50–$70 during cold months.
Dining Out
- Eating out is generally affordable, with many family-owned restaurants offering meals under $15.
Typical Salary Range
- Entry-level jobs: ~$28,000/year
- Mid to high-level roles (healthcare, education, management): $50,000–$80,000+
If you’re planning a move or just need more room while you settle in, self storage in Jefferson, IA can make the transition smoother with extra space for your belongings.
